Cheri'S Creamy Bean Soup
Creamy bean soup with ham hock, vegetables, and tomato juice offers hearty comfort and rich flavors, perfect for a nourishing family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans and place them in a large bowl.
- Cover the beans with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Soak the beans overnight.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- Add 2 quarts of water and the ham hock to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
- Add the chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped carrots, tomato juice, lemon juice, and chopped tomatoes to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add the skim milk to the soup.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the beans before adding the skim milk. If you don't have a ham hock, smoked sausage can be a great substitute for flavor. You can also add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth. If you're short on time, canned beans can be used instead; just reduce the cooking time significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy bean soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Jonda'S Very Best Tomato Casserole for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for added flavor and garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheri'S Creamy Bean Soup contains roughly 1283 calories, with 21g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (198% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just drain and rinse them, then add them to the pot after simmering the broth with the ham hock and vegetables. Reduce the cooking time to about 20-30 minutes to heat through.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply add a bit more skim milk or water, stirring until you reach your preferred consistency. You can also adjust the seasonings after adding more liquid to ensure the flavor remains balanced.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this creamy bean soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).